Journal and Gazette’s shop, play and eat local campaign for Linlithgow, Bo’ness and Queensferry

Thomas the tank engine

Railway volunteers on track to launch another successful tourism season as part of the play local campaign

Preparations are well underway for the new season at Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway.

Amanda Kilburn, business development director at the Scottish Railway Preservation Society, believes that when trains start running again next month, there really will be something for the whole family to enjoy.

With Easter Egg Specials, Thomas the Tank Engine, afternoon tea and the option to enjoy a glass of wine or beer in the buffet car, it’s more than just a train journey.

Meanwhile, at Scotland’s largest railway museum, there’s the chance to get up close to the rolling stock.

Amanda said: “There really is something for every generation.

“For children they’re seeing things for the first time and for older people, it’s all about the memories.”

While the winter months may not be busy with passengers at the station, there’s no rest for the 300 volunteers.

The Monday Squad has carried out a host of tasks on the line – clearing trees at Grangemouth Road, which will give passengers a better view, and repairing the tracks, carriages and waggons. They have also been thoroughly cleaned.

In the Steam Shed, the engines were ‘wintered’ – with the water drained from them to prevent them from freezing.

There is a vibrant youth group at the SRPS, which has a waiting list. Once they reach 16 years of age, many of the youngsters move on to working with the experienced volunteers in the Steam Shed.

Amanda said: “They are a fantastic group and they’re always enthusiastic and keen.”

The railway and museum open on April 5. The museum is open daily from 11am-4.30pm. For train timetables go to www.bkrailway.co.uk